23rd April 2018 - Press Release

Over four hundred local youngsters create stunning community art

Pupils from local primary schools have revealed a community art project at the entrance of the Dover Western Docks Revival (DWDR) construction site, as part of the project's engagement with the local community.

The Port of Dover and VSBW, a joint-venture between VolkerStevin and Boskalis Westminster, have teamed up with Dover smART Project to enter this year’s Ivor Goodsite Hoarding Competition for a second consecutive year.

Dover smART Project invited 22 local schools who were asked to design a community art project about what they love about Dover, how they value where they live and what is important to them about their home town.

Dover smART Project was overwhelmed with over 400 children responding, leading to more than 1,000 entries.

Dawn Maddison, from Dover smART Project, said: “The children have come up with some amazing, surprising and heart-swelling designs that will make people even more proud of their town when they see them.

“Activities such as this are creating some fantastic community teams who come together and work so well as a group; with stunning results. We adore such rewarding work with our school children, who are so inspiring.”

Groups of youngsters have worked with local graphic designer and illustrator, Jack Cant, on refining the themes and designs from their sketchbooks the chosen entries have been transformed onto the hoarding and are now displayed next to the DWDR site entrance at Union Street for all to see.

The Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS) initiative is designed to enable children of all ages to unleash their artistic skills on dull construction site hoardings, utilising them as large canvases for their imaginative creations. Ivor Goodsite is used by companies participating in the CCS to educate children about construction site safety and civil engineering.

Ron Eckersley, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager for VSBW, added: “'Well done to all those involved in creating this community art project. It is fantastic to be able to engage with the local community during the construction of Dover Western Docks Revival and make long lasting positive impressions. Hopefully we have encouraged some of these children to become the next generation of civil engineers.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

Port of Dover

The Dover Western Docks Revival (DWDR) is a one-off opportunity for the regeneration of Dover, bringing new investment into the area. With UK Government planning approval and supported by a mix of private finance and European Union grant funding, DWDR will deliver:

Relocation and further development of the cargo business with a new cargo terminal and distribution centre;

Creation of greater space within the Eastern Docks for ferry traffic;

A transformed waterfront to ultimately attract a host of shops, bars, cafes and restaurants with Dover's unique backdrop of the harbour, cliffs and castle; and

Much needed quality employment opportunities for local people.

DWDR is the single biggest investment ever undertaken by the Port of Dover with c.£250m committed to deliver the first phase.

DWDR scored ‘Excellent’ for the CEEQUAL Interim Client and Outline Design Award - the evidence-based sustainability assessment, rating and awards scheme that promotes the achievement of high environmental and social performance in civil engineering, infrastructure, landscaping and public realm projects.

VSBW is a joint venture between VolkerStevin and Boskalis Westminster to deliver the marine structures and bridge contract for the Port of Dover’s flagship Dover Western Docks Revival (DWDR) development.

With a contract value of £115m, this construction stage will include the design and build of two new berths including quay walls and land reclamation, a new marina pier, the marina curve, navigation channel and new lock gates, Bascule Bridge and capital dredging work.

Ivor Goodsite Hoarding Competition

Ivor Goodsite is used by companies participating in the Considerate Constructors Scheme to educate children about construction site safety. As part of this educational scheme, a national competition is held annually, where all participants receive prizes including trophies, medals and certificates.

All proceeds from the award entries will be donated to the Child Accident Prevention Trust (CAPT). CAPT is the UK’s leading charity working to reduce the number of children and young people who are killed, disabled or seriously injured in accidents.